Dortmund star's Jude Bellingham opinion speaks volumes as Real Madrid plan detailed

Nico Schlotterbeck has issued a rallying call to his team-mates over the threat posed by “incredible player” Jude Bellingham during the Champions League final.

Schlotterbeck is set to face his old Borussia Dortmund team-mate, now Real Madrid star, at Wembley this evening. The defender insisted that it would need a real team effort to keep Brazilian stars Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior, along with Bellingham, in check.

Speaking about Bellingham, Schlotterbeck admitted: “I know Jude well – we played together for a year. He can do everything. He can run with the ball, he can run without the ball, he can dribble, shoot, we have to be very careful.

“You don’t have to say too much about the wingers. They are very strong at dribbling. Every player in the world has had problems with them. I look forward to the duel. We have to do it as a team. If we can control their three offensive players, we have a chance to win.”

Meanwhile, Dortmund’s Julian Brandt has been bullish ahead of Europe’s biggest game of the season, reassuring his side they can spring a surprise against Real Madrid despite their underdog status.

Having already eliminated Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain on their route to the final, Dortmund now face the colossal task of conquering the final barrier to erase memories of their previous Wembley defeat to Bayern Munich in 2013.

Brandt has confidently stated: “Our Champions League season, what we’ve showed against lots of teams. Erdin said it very well. It is the ultimate opponent in Real Madrid. There is nothing bigger in the Champions League with their history.

“If we didn’t believe it, we could have stayed in Dortmund. We have total belief and we will show that tomorrow.”

Dortmund’s manager Edin Terzic added: “We are ready to compete at the highest level. Maybe if you play 10 times against Real Madrid, it is very difficult. If you play 34 times, it’s impossible. But if you break it down to one game, a final, everything is possible.

“It is clear they have a role as favourites – we don’t care. If we are brave and ready to show that we are not here to see how Real Madrid lift the next trophy, if we are here to give a game, then we have a chance.

“We can do it. We have won games on the way here and I’m sure the best parties I’ve ever had are the ones I never planned. That’s why I feel we can have the best party ever tomorrow.

“If you had told me that I was sitting here the day before then I would expect to be nervous. But we have prepared so well that I feel so confident.”